Signs and Sigils on Culturally Significant Carpets and Rugs and Their Meanings

Abstract

Turkish weaving culture has a long-established tradition. Motifs, which are used as decorative elements in carpets and rugs, which occupy an important place in Turkish weaving varieties and are generally used as floor mats, are important in terms of meaning. These motifs have an important place in the intangible cultural heritage values that have been carried from the past to present in terms of Turkish culture. Many of these motifs have been used since the earliest times of the Turkish nation. Many of these are the special signs used by stature, tribal, oba and tyrants that make up Turkish society. Some of them are also related to the beliefs of these groups. Another group of motifs is related to plants, animals and articles of use associated with social life. The fact that these motifs made for all three purposes has been used in carpets and rugs for thousands of years has provided the people who are engaged in traditional Turkish weaving art the most important task in preserving, and transferring the cultural heritage from generation to generation.In this study, we will focus on arrow, crescent, sun and star motifs, which are made about the im, stamps and beliefs on the carpets and rugs which are the important cultural heritage element of the Turkish nation. Examples of motifs on various regions and carpets and rugs will be given.Carpet and rug weaving, which is usually done by women has been a profession that’s passed down from mother to daughter, master to apprentice for thousands of years.